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Stress&Women

What is stress?

Stress can involve a recent change or a daily pressure. Stress happens to everyone and can be motivating and productive or negative and destructive. Tension and anxiety, as well as depression, are frequent emotional consequences of stress.

The mind and body are linked throughout our lives. We must learn to respect both our emotional and physical needs, or we will lose our equilibrium and ability to adapt.

Symptoms of stress

Feeling tense

Depression

Poor memory

Poor concentration

Increased alcohol consumption

Anger/hostility

Difficulty making decisions

Frequent mood swings

Negative thinking

Distractibility

Excess smoking or eating

Feeling overwhelmed or helpless

Stress increases the risk for:

Accidents

Headaches

Bowel disorders

Poor digestion

Skin disorders

Eating disorders

Emotional disorders

Asthma attacks

High blood pressure/strokes

Colds/infections

Backache

Arthritis/immune disorders

Heart attacks/recovery

Cancer

Ulcers

Sexual dysfunction

Why do some experts feel that women are particularly susceptible to stress?

Women are socialized to be the caretakers of others. More women than men have both a career outside the home and continue to try to juggle traditional responsibilities after hours. Over 70% of married women with children under the age of 18 are employed outside the home. Sociologists describe women as struggling to achieve the "male standard" at work, while trying to maintain the perfect wife and mother standards at home.

Women are also less likely to be in as powerful positions as men to change their environment. Women find it harder to say no to others' requests and often feel guilty if they can't please everyone. They often spend less time nurturing their own emotional and physical needs, as that might be perceived as selfish. In addition, relationship alterations or the loss of loved ones can produce empty nest or other separation syndromes.

As women progress through life's stages, hormonal balance associated with premenstrual, post-partum and menopausal changes can affect chemical vulnerability to stress and depression.

How can I cope with stress?

Leisure time must be considered a necessity, not just a reward for doing more. Personal time for rejuvenation will never be available unless it is planned. Prioritizing based on principle rather than demand is sometimes difficult to learn, but is critical for peace of mind.

You can't be all things to all people all of the time. Don't be reluctant to ask for help. Avoid combining too many projects. Delegate if necessary. Learn to say "no."

What activities can help relieve stress?

Here are some examples of activities that can help to refresh the body and mind:

Can't find the health information you’re looking for?

This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 10/31/2013...#4935